Handheld FTIR Spectroscopy
Photo: Nasjonalmuseet
The Evaluation of a Non-Invasive Screening Method for the Identification of Varnishes in Paintings by E. Munch.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a successful and established technique used for the chemical characterisation of organic materials in paint films and varnish coatings. Portable and handheld FTIR (pFTIR) spectrometers allow for non-invasive and in situ analyses.
This study concerns the collection of 56 Munch paintings at The National Museum of Art, Norway (NMK).
The anticipated results of this pilot study will serve to evaluate the use of pFTIR as a suitable screening method for the chemical characterisation of varnish coatings in paintings.
Read more about the project (PDF)
Participating researchers:
- Thierry Ford. Conservation Dept., National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, 0130, Oslo, Norway.
PhD candidate, University of Oslo, Institute for Archaeology, Conservation and History, Conservation Studies